A Ministry with Mickey
Sister Mary Morley just left Providence Health Care and headed toward the Providence Hall Community Room.
She sat down for our interview but forgot her phone at health care. We’ll get back to that in a moment.
She goes to health care every day after lunch to visit with many of the Sisters of Providence in the facility and others.
And she brings a special visitor. Her dog, Mickey.
For many years, Sister Mary ministered in the Cincinnati area, but in 2022, she came back to the Woods. After settling in, she received a letter from General Councilor Sister Laura Parker asking if any Sister of Providence returning to the Woods would be interested in visiting those in health care as a new ministry.
“I thought I could do that,” Sister Mary said. “I wanted to find enough to do to keep me busy. And going to health care takes up a big chunk of time.”
And Mickey ended up being the ace in her sleeve.
Mickey is 12-years-old. He is a mixed-breed dog, but mostly terrier. And he’s been at Sister Mary’s side for several years.
“I got him when he was 13 months old,” Sister Mary said. “He was wandering the streets in Cincinnati. My friend opened the car door and he hopped right in.”
Sister Mary said they tracked down the owner of Mickey who eventually was not able to continue caring for him. That’s when Sister Mary took him in.
“He’s a very calm, mild-mannered dog,” Sister Mary admitted. “Many of the people in health care love to see him.”
During her health care visits, Sister Mary gives each person a treat and they then offer it to Mickey.
“He puts his paws up on their knees or he will sit,” Sister Mary said. “Sister Kathleen Dede absolutely loves him. He just loves the attention.”
Anyway, back to the search for the phone.
Sister Mary and I walked back over to the facility and found her phone in the room of Sister Kathleen “Kak” Desautels. After finding the phone, she and I were leaving when we came upon Sister Ann Margaret O’Hara.
Sister Mary stopped to chat and placed a treat on Sister Ann Margaret’s knee. Mickey knew the drill. He placed his paws on her knees and grabbed the treat. Sister Mary then placed another treat into Sister Ann Margaret’s hands and Mickey sat before placing his paws back on her knees to take the treat out of her waiting hand.
Sister Ann Margaret smiled.
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Great article featuring Mickey and Mary! They both bring smiles and good cheer to residents in healthcare…and wherever they go. 😊 Thanks, Mickey and Mary!
Sister Mary and Super Dog Mickey are a great team. 🙂
I’ve seen Mary and Mickey in healthcare bringing delight with them. Thank you to both of you, and thank you Jason.
Oh yes, it’s Mickey and his human SP mama Sister Mary. Mickey is a true celebrity. 🙂
Mickey is a great dog who brings joy to so many people here! He is very calm and loving. It is a joy to spend time with him.
Sister Mary and Super Dog Mickey are such welcome visitors to PHC. 🙂
Mickey and Sister Mary Morley have helped for several years at the annual Phonathon in February. Both are a big hit with callers and other volunteers. Now if we can just teach Mickey to dial the phone…
Perhaps putting a treat on the phone would persuade Mickey to dial? 🙂
Mary and Mickey, thanks so much for your presence. I knownit means so much!
Our four legged friends are a great source of love, kindness and unconditional love.
Clancy loves his little friend MICKEY!
Thanky you and Mickey for all the wonderful smiles you bring to residents.
Great story about my friend Sr. Mary and the best dog in the world. I found him on a rainy night, I opened my car door and he jumped right in!
He was so sweet!
He hit the jackpot when he got to go live with Mary!
I used to have him stay with me when Mary was out of town.
I was so sad when they moved, I adopted my foster cat and named him with a M! (Murphy)
Miss ya both!!
Gina Caruso